By MLB.com

The Philadelphia Phillies and KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, are bringing a new sensory activation vehicle (S.A.V.) experience to Citizens Bank Park – and it could be a game changer for fans with sensory processing disorders.

Created by KultureCity and designed by medical professionals, this unique mobile experience allows the Phillies to have a dedicated room and play space for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities who may need a quieter and more secure environment while attending games at the ballpark.

“It is our goal to provide a safe space for those individuals who may have invisible disabilities and need sensory relief while at the ballpark,” said Phillies Director of Facility Operations Ed Speer. “We look forward to bringing this one-of-a-kind mobile sensory activation experience to the ballpark with KultureCity, which has been a tremendous partner in helping us make Citizens Bank Park even more inclusive for our fans.”

“Our communities shape our lives and to know that the Phillies are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests,” said KultureCity Executive Director Uma Srivastava.

Inside the S.A.V. is a sensory room outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo and visual light panels by Nanoleaf, as well as activity panels and bubble walls. The space can be used by one family/group/individual at a time when they need to step away to decompress, enabling families to take a quick break if needed before going back to enjoying the ballgame.

The sensory activation experience is located at the First Base Plaza. Since it is mobile, the vehicle will also have the ability to be transported to other parts of the ballpark and off-site locations.

The experience is part of KultureCity’s sensory inclusive program, designed to “Make the Nevers Possible” and help guests with sensory needs like PTSD, autism, dementia and strokes, just to name a few, feel welcomed. With one out of six individuals in the United States having a sensory processing disorder, the need for sensory refuge is greater than ever.

As part of the program, fans will also have access to sensory bags at Guest Services (both on the Main Concourse and Terrace Level). Designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children, the sensory bags are filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and include headphones, various fidget toys and visual feeling and “I need” cue cards. Included with the sensory bags will be a lanyard with a QR code, providing easy access to the KultureCity website, which will have downloadable and customized social stories for visiting Citizens Bank Park. Also available will be a weighted laptop, which can be drawn on with a water pen.

In addition, Phillies front office and gameday staff received online training on how to help fans who may have sensory needs. KultureCity decals and other signage will also be located throughout the ballpark on ticket windows and in elevator lobbies, helping with awareness about the KultureCity initiative.

Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins announced the public launch of ARound, a first-of-its-kind stadium-level shared augmented reality (AR) platform, at Target Field in Minneapolis. This first-ever experience in a live sports setting keeps audiences engaged by capturing their attention during game downtime through immersive, interactive and shared experiences with fellow fans across the venue.

ARound, part of Stagwell, uses 3D spatial computing to localize content to individual users throughout the venue, enabling Target Field’s 40,000 attendees to see the same real-time 3D effects and participate in the same shared experiences. Using the ARound app, fans point their smartphone at the field to open up a universe of multi-user AR games such as Batter Up, Blockbuster, and Fishin’ Frenzy – all designed to be played by interfacing with the physical ballpark and fellow fans in real time.

“We’re excited to introduce our fans to this never-before-seen technology as we continue to evolve and enhance the Target Field experience,” said Minnesota Twins Senior Director, Brand Experience & Innovation Chris Iles. “Part multi-player video game, part augmented reality, with the ability for future expansion into an interactive next-gen stats platform, we believe what we’ve built with ARound will provide fans a next-level experience available only at Target Field.”

“Current AR platforms isolate users in singular experiences. ARound believes massive, multi-user AR enables a host of creative opportunities to redefine what it means to be part of a connected fan experience,” said ARound Founder and CEO Josh Beatty. “Be it a player, a mascot, a brand, a play or even another fan, ARound captures people’s attention and brings them closer to what’s right in front of them – during times they might otherwise be unengaged and on their phones – turning distraction to interaction and enhancing their overall experience.”

Fans can see and interact with real-time content led by action on the field, such as after homeruns, mascot races, or when the Twins take the field. During natural downtime, users can compete against their friends or fans in other sections to see who can knock down the most virtual blocks in the real-life outfield by throwing virtual baseballs or hot dogs at the structure.

“Shared augmented reality is the next frontier that sports teams, brands and other organizations should adopt as they look for ways to engage their audiences,” said Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn. “At Stagwell, we don’t just talk about the next frontiers of marketing and technology – we build them, and support founders through their growth.”

By AZ Big Media

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment and ASM Global announced plans for a major new partnership that will rename the city of Glendale’s 18,000 seat facility to Desert Diamond Arena. The agreement signals the dawn of a new level of entertainment offerings for years to come.

Located less than one mile apart, in Glendale’s vibrant Sports and Entertainment District, the partnership will integrate new opportunities and synergies between ASM Global, Desert Diamond Casinos and a world-class arena. New headline events, interconnected promotions, special offers and other amenities will all be part of an unparalleled entertainment mecca in one of the fastest-growing regions in Arizona.

This is only the beginning, as planned major upgrades to the arena and future hotel and resort expansions to Desert Diamond Casinos will ensure additional future opportunities. The announced agreement will be in place for at least a decade beginning this fall and brings together partners who share in the commitment to supporting the community by bringing expanded entertainment and economic opportunities.

The announcement comes as ASM Global has transitioned to offering a full schedule of top-level concerts. Upcoming acts include renowned talents such as Alan Jackson, Roger Waters, Professional Bull Rider Teams, Pepe Aguilar and Ateez. Additional headline acts have already been secured for 2023, including Rage Against the Machine and Carrie Underwood.

Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “Desert Diamond Casinos has always been committed to building a successful West Valley community with diverse entertainment options. It just made sense to connect our capabilities with our neighbors at ASM Global and the City of Glendale so we can deliver the best possible experience for all of our guests. We appreciate the vision of Glendale leaders in establishing a thriving sports and entertainment district where all of us can succeed together.”

Jason Oberlander, Chief Commercial Officer for ASM Global said, “This is about much more than changing the name of the arena. Strengthening our relationship with Desert Diamond Casinos through this new agreement will allow us to go further than ever before in delivering the highest level of entertainment experiences to our guests. With the City of Glendale, this partnership is more than the sum of its parts and we are excited to move forward with this new opportunity.”

Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers said, “The exciting news about the naming rights agreement is a big win for Glendale and the West Valley. Desert Diamond Casinos are leaders in entertainment, job creation and driving increased business for retail, hotels and restaurants. It is a perfect fit for their brand to be extended to our Arena. We are proud of the strong partnership between the Tohono O’odham Nation and our community.”

By Karen Caro

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority in Atlanta announced the hiring of Shawn Stinson to the position of Director of Food & Beverage at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Stinson has 25 years of experience in venue and food & beverage management. As Director of Food & Beverage, Stinson will provide strategic leadership and execution of the company’s food and beverage concepts.

“Shawn’s background and credentials bring a fresh perspective to our venues,” said Michele Swann, General Manager & CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. “She brings a depth of knowledge that will add to our already incredibly talented team and elevate the guest experience.”

Stinson, a Michigan native, began her career in country club management. Additionally, she spent 12 years with the Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech and most recently was the General Manager of Proof of the Pudding at Savanna Hall (Zoo Atlanta). She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Hospitality Services from Central Michigan University.

Karen Caro is Marketing Manager for Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.

By Paul Kapusta

Stadium Tech Report would like to invite all IAVM venue managers to take our Stadium Connectivity Outlook survey, a short list of questions designed to provide the stadium management community with a snapshot of how venues are (or are not!) using technology to solve for fan pain points and to improve revenue opportunities. The survey, which only takes a couple minutes to complete (so short you can take it on your phone), covers topics including wireless connectivity, entry and security technology, concessions technology, and technology spending priorities.

Take the survey today by clicking here.

If there is one hallmark of the venue operations industry, it is the spirit of sharing information with others. Professionals in this field know their gained knowledge might help others, and when asked, they usually share willingly. In that spirit, we ask you to help your peers by adding your insight to our collaborative project.

In return, all participants in the survey will get a full set of results as well as our white paper analyzing the responses. All answers are completely anonymous, with no personal, team, or venue association attached to any results. As a way of saying thanks, we will also send a Stadium Tech Report ballcap to respondents who want one! For a deeper explanation of the survey attributes, as well as links to download last year’s report, please visit our website at

this link.

Paul Kapusta is Editor of Stadium Tech Report.